After a disappointing and controversial campaign in NCAA Season 98, King Gurtiza has capitalized on the second chance given to him by new head coach Jerson Cabiltes, delivering an impressive bounce-back performance for Emilio Aguinaldo College this year.
Gurtiza, alongside sharpshooting wing Ralph Robin, was suspended halfway through the 98th season for violating team rules, leading the Generals to finish with a 3-15 record.
With Gurtiza back in the lineup, they now find themselves among the best in the NCAA, boasting an 8-7 record and fighting for a chance to make their first Final Four in school history.
In their most recent match against Arellano University, Gurtiza exploded for 23 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block, securing a 77-64 victory for EAC and inching closer to one of the top 4 spots in the standings.
For Gurtiza, there’s no better way to repay the trust instilled by Cabiltes and the second chance given to him than by securing the first Final Four berth for their school.
“Sobrang blessed ko talaga lalo na kay Coach Jerson kasi binigyan niya kami ng pagkakataon, kaya kailangan namin gawin yung dapat namin gawin para maipanalo namin yung last three games at makapasok ng Final Four,” explained Gurtiza.
However, much work needs to be done before Gurtiza and the Generals can make that dream a reality. They trail one and a half games behind San Beda University, which holds the fourth spot in the standings with an 8-5 record.
Additionally, they still have to face schools like Jose Rizal University and the streaking University of Perpetual Help System DALTA, both vying to steal that coveted spot.
For Cabiltes, it’s crucial that his squad focuses not on the records of other schools but on the task ahead.
“Yun na nga eh, we know that we have a slim chance, but we just wanna keep our dreams alive, so we need to win this game.
“Sabi ko nga sa players, we need to take care of our own business, which is kailangan namin maipanalo yung remaining teams. And then we just hope na yung mga hinahabol natin matalo, pero kung hindi rin tayo manalo wala rin. We just need to win our remaining games,” explained Cabiltes.
Cabiltes added that Gurtiza himself has much to work on as teams continue to zero in on his reliable wing, considering him one of the primary scoring options for the Generals.
“Actually for the past few games, he’s been missing his shots, minimal yung contribution niya sa team kasi siyempre in the second round isa na siya sa mga ine-emphasize ng other teams sa scouting report,” continued Cabiltes.
“Kailangan magawan pa rin niya ng paraan, how to adjust when siya yung isa sa primary dinedepensahan ng kalaban. Kailangan yung adjustment niya and double extra effort sa practice.”
With three games left on their schedule, Cabiltes and the rest of the Generals refuse to get ahead of themselves and choose to tackle matters one game at a time.
Still, for Gurtiza, the hopes of gifting Cabiltes a Final Four spot linger at the back of his mind, and the fiery scorer will do everything he can to make it a reality.
